World Cup Group C Preview

England enter Group C as hot favourites, but should not underestimate their opposition. The USA were runners up in last year’s Confederations Cup and Algeria were semi finalists in this year’s African Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Slovenia eliminated one of England’s Euro 2008 qualifying rivals, Russia in the playoffs to reach the finals in South Africa.

England

An injury to captain Rio Ferdinand in practice before the tournament has already began forced manager Fabio Capello into making changes before the tournament has even kicked off. Always amongst the favourites, England stormed through qualifying, but seem to have hit a stumbling block with the loss of form to several players towards the end of the season, as well as fitness concerns to Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry.

Steven Gerrard has taken over the captaincy, while Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Matthew Upson and Michael Dawson are competing to partner John Terry at the back. The first choice goalkeeper has been up in debate, with Joe Hart being the most consistent of the three in the Premier League this season. Defensively, Glen Johnson has been a liability for both club and country this season, although does offer a threat down the right wing. On the opposite flank, should Steven Gerrard play on the left of midfield, expect opponents to create lots of chances from the right wing, with Gerrard and Ashley Cole getting caught out of position. Going forward, Frank Lampard will offer a good threat, while the attention will mainly focus around Wayne Rooney. Peter Crouch has a good record for England, especially as a starter. He faces competition from Joe Cole, Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe to partner Rooney up front.

Slovenia

A hard-working nation, Slovenia are qualifying for their second World Cup. For a nation of just two million people, they can be proud of their achievements so far. Not here to make up the numbers, Slovenia will be looking for their first points in the World Cup, having lost all three games in their only previous appearance (2002).

Their most experienced player and captain is former West Bromwich midfielder Robert Koren who is coming off a promotion season at domestic level. He will be looking to be the playmaker in midfielder, using their pacey winger Andraz Kirm as an outlet. There are few household names in this squad, who play all over Europe, but that will help towards throwing a surprise on teams.

Algeria

African Cup of Nations semi finalists, Algeria have since had a number of fitness worries over key players. They reached the finals after a two-legged victory over bitter rivals Egypt in a bitter match. They’ve got spirit, but spirit isn’t enough to get you far at this level. Their defence needs to be strong against the likes of England and USA if they want to pick up similar results to 1982 when they beat West Germany 2-1.

Rangers’ centre back Madjid Bougherra is one of several players who hasn’t played much competitive football in 2010. Whether that leaves him fresh or unfit remains to be seen, but I would doubt the nation’s chances to progressing with the number of players in similar scenarios. Nadir Belhadj offers pace down the left flank which offers Algeria an extra attacking threat. His strong tackling team mate of last season at Portsmouth, Hassan Yebda will be looking to protect the defence if he starts. Karim Ziani, formelly of Marseille may be the star of the team in midfield and it’s the experienced Rafik Saifi they will be looking to for goals, because none of the other strikers taken have found the target very often at international level. Coach Rabah Saadane has selected a number of inexperienced players too.

USA

Starting on Saturday against England, their opening game offers USA a chance to cause an upset and record one of their best ever international results. It’s likely to be one of the most-watched matches too. The Americans always carry self-belief which will work in their favour against the English, who don’t have the leadership qualities of David Beckham in this match.

The provider of several good goalkeepers in the English Premier League over the years, it’s Tim Howard who will be looking to keep England out in their opening game. The Everton goalkeeper is regarded as one of the best in the Premier League, but has a weaker defence protecting him at international level. Does coach Bob Bradley really believe the likes of Jonathan Spector, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit and Carlos Bocanegra will be able to keep Wayne Rooney and co at bay. He will be hoping for an inspired performance from Tim Howard. After their opening game, regardless of the result, the USA will be looking for victories over Slovenia and Algeria to see them progress from the group. They have Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan in midfield to create chances both for themselves and strikers such as Jose Altidore.

Value Bets
USA to Qualify 4/6
England to be eliminated on penalties 9/2
England to reach Quarter finals 1/2